The Icelandic Hot Dog: Everything You Wanted to Know

Think of traditional Icelandic foods and delicacies like fermented shark (hákarl) or roasted sheep skull (svið) might first come to mind. But Iceland’s best-loved food is a meal that’s much more humble and delicious: the Icelandic hot dog or pylsa.

Consider this post something of a love letter to this savory snack. We’ll share how to eat it and where to get it, before diving into the wider world of Icelandic food.

The history of the unique Icelandic hot dog

You might wonder why the hot dog has achieved such a cult status in Icelandic cuisine. After all, it’s just a sausage in a bun, as you’d get from many other countries in the world. Right? Wrong. In reality, much of pylsur’s appeal comes exactly from its differences from other hot dogs you may have tried before. To explain, we need to go back to the origins of this delicious dish.

Sausages have been present in Icelandic cuisine for centuries. The bjúga, for instance, is a smoked sausage made from lamb or horsemeat, which has been on the menu since the Vikings. However, the common hot dog that the world knows and loves was born in Germany in the 1800s. While originally it could contain any sort of meat available (including the dog of its name), it was pork sausages that became most popular. These took the name “frankfurters” because they were invented in the German city of Frankfurt.

It’s thought that the Danish brought the hot dog to Iceland in the early 20th century. But there was one problem: Iceland didn’t have any pig farms at the time. So, to make their own kind of hot dog, Icelanders needed to turn to a local variety of meat: lamb. It’s these lamb sausages that the now-world-famous “Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur” hot dog stand has sold in Reykjavík since 1937. Nearly a century later, pretty much all Icelanders will have tried one of their “best hot dogs in town,” along with international celebrities including Bill Clinton, Madonna, Metallica, Kim Kardashian, and more.

When you’re in Iceland, you must try this historic hot dog for yourself.

What’s in an Icelandic hot dog?

So, we’ve said that Icelandic hot dogs are mainly made of local lamb, which is free-range, organic, and grass-fed. These days, the lamb meat is accompanied by a mix of pork and beef, then seasoned and spiced for its distinctive flavor. Of course, it wouldn’t be a hot dog without the bun. But what makes Icelandic hot dogs extra-special (aside from the mix of meats) is the condiments.

Icelanders still remember when Bill Clinton came to Reykjavík and ordered a hot dog just with mustard. Instead, do as the locals do and order “ein með öllu” (“one with everything”) and you’ll get:

• Raw white onions and crispy fried onions. That’s a mix of both, to give you both some sharpness and sweetness—the perfect complement to the meat and bun.
• Pylsusinnep, a sweet brown mustard. It’s spicy, much sweeter than other mustards you might have tried, and it’s very typically Icelandic.
• Remoulade, a mayonnaise-like sauce made more interesting with mustard, capers, pickles, and herbs.
• Ketchup. It needs no introduction. Together with the other condiments, it's the perfect accompaniment for a hot dog.

Of course, you don’t have to eat your hot dog with all the trimmings if you’d prefer not to. We’ll be honest, it could be just as good without them!

Where to try an Icelandic hot dog?

It’s fair to say that you won’t struggle to find a place to try an Icelandic hot dog on your trip to the Land of Fire and Ice. They’re one of the most popular types of fast food in Iceland, with stalls across the country. The most famous hot dog stand in Iceland is of course the historic Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, whose name literally means “best hot dogs in town”. Established back in the 1930s, it’s been cooking up these delicacies for nearly a century.

While the stall was originally on Austurstræti, it moved in the 1960s to Tryggvagata, where it stands today. You’ll find it opposite the Harpa Concert Hall. These days, though, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has expanded. It now has seven hot dog stands within the Reykjavík area, so you can pick one up whatever it is you’re doing in town. You’ll also find one in the town of Keflavík, as well as in the Keflavík International Airport. It could be the perfect snack before you fly home.

While Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is the most famous hot dog stall in Iceland, it’s not the only place you can buy them. Walk around any town in the country and you’ll find one. Or pop into any convenience store or petrol station for a quick snack.

Can you buy Icelandic hot dogs to take home?

We understand the feeling. You’re about to leave Iceland, knowing that you won’t be able to eat these hot dogs for a long time. Not to worry though—you can take them home in your suitcase! You can buy pylsur in the duty-free area of Keflavík airport, along with all of the condiments to go with them. So, you can recreate the perfect Icelandic hot dog experience at home.

All you need to know is how to cook them correctly. The main thing is that you don't want to overcook them—the trick is not to boil them. Then heat the buns a little (in the microwave or oven) before you add the toppings. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. But remember, you can always come back to Iceland to eat them again.

What other Icelandic food should you try?

While Icelandic hot dogs are among our favorite local delicacies, they’re far from the only thing to try when you’re in the country. Icelandic food may be quite unique, but it’s varied and often very delicious. One aspect that sets Icelandic cuisine apart is its reliance on local, seasonal ingredients. These are not just trendy buzzwords in this part of the world. Rather, as Iceland is an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, we depend on what we can produce ourselves.

Owing to this, Icelandic has a long tradition of curing and preserving fish and meat—by smoking, drying, or salting. However, fresh meat and seafood—including langoustines, salmon, scallops, and more—are plentiful too. Here are some Icelandic foods that you should definitely try when you’re visiting.

• Plokkfiskur (fish stew). Plokkfiskur is a type of fish stew that’s traditionally made from leftover fish and potatoes. The fish (typically white fish like haddock or pollock) is mashed or “pulled” and heated into a thick creamy stew with bechamel sauce.
  
  
• Hangikjöt (smoked lamb). The name hangikjöt literally translates as “hung meat”, as this was the traditional way to smoke the lamb. It’s served cold, typically with flatkaka, an Icelandic flatbread.
• Kjötsupa (lamb soup). Take a lamb shank and cook it up in a soup with carrots, onions, potatoes, and other vegetables. Kjötsupa is delicious and makes for a warming meal throughout Iceland’s cold winter.
• Harðfiskur (dried fish). As in many other countries, Icelanders traditionally lay out fish to dry, so that it can be preserved for longer. Harðfiskur is typically eaten with butter.
• Skyr (Icelandic yogurt). Skyr is now widely available outside of Iceland too. It’s a thick dairy product somewhere between a yogurt and a cottage cheese. Icelanders eat it with fruit, for breakfast or lunch.

There’s so much more to try in Iceland. While the pylsa or Icelandic hot dog probably deserves the crown for the best Icelandic street food, you’ll find plenty else to love in restaurants, cafes, and bars across the country.

What we offer at Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya’s best restaurants in Iceland

One place to try some of the best food in Iceland is at Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya. We have nine restaurants in Iceland, from Reykjavík to Akureyri and Mývatn in the north, to Egilsstaðir in the east. At all our restaurants, you can sample some of the authentic delights of Icelandic cuisine. Whichever you choose, you’ll taste locally-sourced, seasonal delicacies and traditionally prepared dishes.

For instance, at our Hjá Jóni restaurant in the capital, you can taste the delicate flavors of cured Arctic char or tuck into hearty seafood soups—in an elegant, modern setting. Alternatively, you can head to Geiri Smart for more adventurous options, including the notorious hákarl (fermented shark) and whale meat, alongside a range of classic meat and fish options.

On Iceland’s north coast, Akureyri’s Aurora restaurant offers a menu of local dishes, including the very best of Icelandic seafood. In winter or summer, you can enjoy your meal from the patio and garden. No matter where you’re traveling in Iceland, we always recommend that you book any restaurants ahead. Explore our full range of restaurants to reserve your table.

Quick summary: Why you must try the local cuisine on your trip to Iceland

While it may not be as famous as the likes of Italian, French, or Chinese, Icelandic food is its own fascinating world to explore. With an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients and some of the freshest seafood on the planet, it’s delicious, varied, and surprising. Of course, the Icelandic hot dog is one of the superstars of the country’s cuisine. Yet in restaurants across the country, there’s so much more to try. Explore our restaurants and book a table today.

Frequently asked questions about Icelandic hot dogs and food

Here, we provide some answers for those of you who still have questions.

Where can you buy Icelandic hot dogs in Reykjavík?

The most famous place to buy hot dogs in Reykjavík is Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, which appropriately translates as “the best hot dogs in town.”  There are seven outlets across the city, including the original stall on Tryggvagata.

What are unique Icelandic dishes served at Berjaya’s restaurants?

Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya’s restaurants serve many of the most typical Icelandic dishes, including:

• Icelandic cured meats and fish. You can try the likes of local smoked lamb, gravlax, and cured Arctic char from restaurants such as Lyng restaurant in Egilsstaðir.
  

• Creatively prepared seafood. Visit the likes of Vox Brasserie in Reykjavík for imaginative takes of traditional classics.
  
• Unique dishes such as hákarl or whale meat. Head to Geiri Smart for some of the more unusual flavors in Icelandic cuisine. Explore our full range of restaurants to see complete menus and book a table.

What are some traditional Icelandic foods to try at our hotels?

Hotels in the Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya all have their own quality dining options. We serve traditional and modern Icelandic foods, with menus depending on the season and specific location. Explore our restaurants to find out more.

How do Icelandic hot dogs differ from other countries' versions?

Icelandic hot dogs differ in two main ways from hot dogs you’ll find in other countries:

• The meat. Most hot dogs around the world use pork meat. In Iceland, we prefer lamb, sometimes mixed with a combination of beef and pork.
  

• The condiments. We like our hot dogs with all the trimmings, including sweet mustard, ketchup, raw onions, fried onions, and remoulade.

Where are the best restaurants in Reykjavík for authentic Icelandic cuisine?

At Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya, our restaurants specialize in local, authentic food. Try Slippbarinn, our restaurant at Reykjavík’s old harbor, to try freshly caught seafood. Or visit Satt Restaurant for a buffet of honest local dishes.

What ingredients are typically found in an Icelandic hot dog?

Typically, an Icelandic hot dog is made of lamb meat, pork, and beef. The lamb is the classic ingredient which differentiates our hot dog from those of other countries.

Can you recommend any must-visit Icelandic seafood restaurants in Reykjavík?

Reykjavík has many incredible seafood restaurants, from Michelin-starred dining to cheap eats. At Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya, we serve seafood at all of our restaurants in Reykjavík, including Hjá Jóni, Slippbarinn, and Vox Brasserie.

What vegan options are available at Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya’s restaurants in Iceland?

We do our best to accommodate vegans in all of our restaurants in Iceland. There’s always something entirely plant-based on the menu. Check out our individual restaurants for more details and if in doubt get in touch with us.

How has Icelandic cuisine influenced the menu at Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya?

Our menus are all inspired by the ingredients, techniques, and flavors of traditional Icelandic cuisine. Whether you’re eating fish and chips, cured meat, or a warming soup, you have Iceland’s long-standing food heritage to thank.

What are the must-try desserts at restaurants in Reykjavík?

Iceland’s desserts often don’t get the attention they deserve. Visit Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya restaurants and you can try wild berries, baked cheeses, Icelandic pancakes, and more.

How can I book a table at Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya’s restaurants in Reykjavík?

You can easily book a table at Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya restaurants. Visit our restaurant pages and you can book by:

• Calling the individual restaurant
• Booking directly through the website
• Using dineout.is to reserve a table

What are the top restaurants in Iceland for experiencing local culture?

One of the best restaurants in Iceland to experience local food culture is Geiri Smart in Reykjavík. Alongside a wide selection of delicious sharing plates, the more adventurous can try some traditional Icelandic delicacies, including harðfiskur, hákarl, and more.

Are there any Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya hotel restaurants with outdoor seating in Iceland?

Many of our hotels have outdoor seating options, including Aurora in Akureyri and Hjá Jóni in Reykjavík. Just make sure to check the weather in Iceland before sitting outside!

What dining options are available for tourists near hotels in the Iceland Hotel Collection by Berjaya?

In Reykjavík, you’ll find most of our hotels in the center of town, in the midst of many places to eat and drink. All hotels in the Iceland Hotel Collection come with restaurants, where you can try local, seasonal, and freshly prepared meals.